Historic Gallup Poll: 58% of Americans Favor Legalizing Marijuana
October 23rd, 2013
The polling company Gallup has tested public opinion on marijuana legalization on a continuous basis since 1969. At that time, 12% of Americans supported fully legalizing the plant. Despite the fact that marijuana has been legalized, decriminalized, or authorized for medical use in a significant number of US states, it’s still illegal everywhere else in America and quasi-illegal on the federal level, depending on who is in charge of enforcing it.
However, Gallup just announced its latest round of polling results, and the question on marijuana legalization resulted in a truly historic outcome, never before seen in Gallup polling — a majority of Americans, 58% specifically, now favor legalizing marijuana. Considering the fact that politicians typically adjust their positions to match poll results, this turn of events may cause additional states to pass bills legalizing cannabis. Though there’s still a long way to go before prohibition will end, Gallup’s poll results demonstrate that public opinion has changed on this issue and will likely never turn back.
The Demographic Breakdown
In the poll, support for marijuana legalization among independent voters jumped from 50% to 62%. Clear majorities of people between the ages of 18 and 64 also back legalization. Though younger demographic groups are less likely to vote, in time, they will age into a political majority.
The only age-based demographic group clinging to marijuana prohibition is the one representing Americans age 65 and up. Also, only 33% of Republicans offered their support for legalization, meaning pro-liberty activists within the GOP still have work to do on this issue. However, Republican politicians may start embracing legal cannabis during future general elections as a way to pick up the support of independent voters.
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The New Argument: It’s Only a Matter of Time
This Gallup poll provides a new rhetorical weapon for those of us who live in states where prohibition continues. Since nationwide marijuana legalization is inevitable, lawmakers should get a jump on creating a legal marketplace, especially in some red states where the farming culture is ideal for marijuana production. My own home state of Tennessee routinely ranks in the top 3 states when it comes to the illegal production of marijuana.
It has been estimated that Tennessee, for example, has been producing over a billion dollars worth of marijuana each year for years on end. If cannabis were to be legalized, more farmers could reap these kinds of profits. The state would also be able to begin taxing marijuana producers, factories, distributors, and retailers as legitimate businesses, driving gangs and drug cartels out of the marketplace.
Ultimately, since Americans over 65 are the only group that still favors marijuana prohibition, legalization has become a political inevitability. Since it’s going to happen sooner or later, shouldn’t states go ahead and begin reaping the financial benefits right now? After all, we’re in the middle of a historic financial crisis.
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